Journey With Gentle Giants - Swim

This program is an exploration of the Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot exhibit and an introduction to Georgia Aquarium’s conservation and whale shark research program. Participants will snorkel on the surface of our Ocean Voyager habitat with whale sharks, manta rays and thousands of other fish. This is the only opportunity in the world where you are guaranteed to swim with these animals. A portion of proceeds support the Aquarium’s research and conservation efforts.

Participants will be briefed before their swim, change into their wetsuits, be guided around the habitat during their swim, shower, and then will be given a debriefing session.

PLEASE NOTE: This program is currently unavailable at this time.

This add-on is an enhanced, education-focused dive program that will educate and equip participants about the whale sharks or manta rays they will encounter and how they can “advocate” for these amazing animals. Participants will receive an in-depth educational session through a classroom session and a behind-the-seas tour that is centered around the chosen animal distinction. To top it off, participants will be treated to an intentional “face-to-face” interaction during your experience.

The Aquatic Advocate program costs $69.99 (+tax) and can be purchased online at checkout or by calling the Call Center at (404) 581-4000.

The experience is approximately 2.5 hours, with a tour of the topside of Ocean Voyager and a 30 minute swim. A souvenir photo and a program t-shirt are included. Please plan travel and other Aquarium shows accordingly.

The exhibit contains 6.3 million gallons of water and ranges from 20 to 30 feet deep (6-9 m) with water temperature controlled at 76°F (24°C). This exhibit houses thousands of fish including whale sharks, zebra sharks and several species of rays, just to name a few!

Participants must check-in at the Animal Interaction Desk in front of the Ocean Voyager gallery AT LEAST 30 minutes prior to their event time. We highly recommend you arrive at the Aquarium at least 1 hour prior to allow time for parking, security and check-in.

You will need to bring your swimsuit. All equipment, comfortable changing rooms with showers, lockers and towels are supplied. Personal masks/snorkels are permitted but must be disinfected by staff prior to swim. Please refrain from wearing jewelry, excessive makeup or hair products.

Yes, friends and family can watch from the Ocean Voyager tunnel and main window, but they must purchase a General Admission ticket. If staffing allows, guests will be escorted by a volunteer OR directed to where to go for the best opportunity to see the participants. Staff cannot offer care for any children under 12 – they must be accompanied by an adult.

Cameras are permitted on deck, however no cameras are permitted in the water. A professionally shot and edited video of your experience will be available for purchase. Friends and family may take photos from the tunnel or gallery windows.

All necessary equipment is included in the price of the Swim Program, including a flotation device, mask, snorkel, gloves, booties and wetsuit. Personal masks and snorkels are permitted but must be disinfected by staff prior to swim.

Three dive masters will be in the water with you at all times. Dive team members are certified in CPR, first aid and in providing emergency oxygen. This is a guided tour.

The swim is for observation only – swimmers are not permitted to touch the animals.

The Swim Program costs $239.99 plus tax for non-Members and $212.99 plus tax for Annual Pass Members. All equipment for the swim, certificate of participation, t-shirt and a souvenir photo are included. General admission into the Aquarium is NOT included and must be purchased separately.

Refunds are not offered, but a date may be changed free of charge if the change is made at least 14 days in advance of the original date of your visit. If the change is made less than 14 days prior to the original date, a $50 change fee per ticket will be charged. Cancellations within 48 hours and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. To change your reservation, please contact Georgia Aquarium’s Call Center at (404) 581-4000.

Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. Guests arriving after the required program check-in time will not be permitted to participate in the program and will not be refunded or rescheduled. Please plan accordingly with enough time to park, enter and check-in to the program. To change your reservation, please contact Georgia Aquarium’s Call Center at 404-581-4000. Due to the nature of caring for animals, Georgia Aquarium reserves the right to modify, cancel, and/or reschedule programs without notice. Reasonable accommodations will be made to reschedule guests as effectively as possible.